Baldacci Vineyards

As the grandson of Italian immigrants, who always celebrated with a bottle of homemade wine, Baldacci Family Vineyards has been a lifelong dream. In 1997 when my family and I purchased the vineyard, located on the southern slope of a gentle knoll in the Stags Leap District, we fell in love with not only the 20 acres of vineyard, but also with carrying on the family tradition of creating wines for family and friends.
The Stags Leap District is known for its history of producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines noted for their distinctive combination of power and elegance. With origins dating back to 1916, our vineyard boasts soils that are proven to grow excellent quality grapes. Seven years ago we set about replanting each block to maximize the soil structure. After endless days walking the land, we are familiar with every row of the vineyard. Our estate vineyard allows first-hand examination of the differences between the varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rootstock clones based on location, soil type and sun exposure. Our goal is to grow the finest quality grapes and minimally handle them, allowing their unique qualities to come through in the finished wine.

DirectionsFrom San Francisco: Take Highway 80 east towards Sacramento. As you enter Vallejo, take the Highway 37 exit and proceed west until you intersect Highway 29. Follow Highway 29 north (sings indicate Calistoga/Sonoma) through the town of Napa. You will go through three signals, at the fourth signal, turn right onto Oak Knoll Avenue. Head east on Oak Knoll Avenue for 1.5 miles, then stop, jog left on Big Ranch Road, then turn right and continue east on Oak Knoll Avenue for 2 more miles until you reach the Silverado Trail. Turn left onto the Silverado Trail and head north approximately four miles until you reach Baldacci Family Vineyards at 6236 Silverado Trail (there is a taupe and black house at the driveway). Turn left into the driveway and proceed to the Visitors Center.

Our ’02 shows intrinsic Stags Leap District characteristics with classic aromas of black fruit, cassis and chocolate. A mouth full of flavor and soft tannins produce good acidity and a lingering finish of fruit, white choclolate and a hint of fine vanilla oak.

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural release from our estate vineyard in the famed Stags Leap District. Our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes are grown on our 18-acre estate and carefully tended to produce wines of exceptional richness, complexity and character. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and chocolate with slight hints of mint and cedar. The elegant structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully complemented by the velvety texture and supple tannins of the Cabernet Franc. The result is a powerful, yet accessible blend that displays the depth, richness, and finesse you expect from a Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon.

Our second vintage, the 2001 Baldacci Family Vineyards Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the superior quality of what is truly an amazing vintage. A blend of 93.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine is a classic deep ruby red brick color. This vintage has inviting aromas of black fruits, cedar, tobacco, and oak with hints of vanilla and white chocolate. The small amount of Cabernet Franc lends a soft elegance to the robust Cabernet Sauvignon, and together they create a mouth feel that is medium-bodied, velvety in texture with supple tannins and good acidity. The result is a powerful, yet accessible blend displaying all the depth, richness and finesse of a Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon. Ready to drink now, or can be cellared for 5 to 10 years. Production limited to 1,000 cases.

This Pinot Noir wows from the start with its brilliant strawberry color and impressive aromas of cranberry, violet, tart raspberry and earth. At the core are crushed dried cherries and hints of wet stone that continue on the finish for what seems like ages. Subtle and balanced, this wine is very approachable now.

Named for my wife, Brenda, this Estate-grown, Stags Leap District wine represents our purest expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Our exceptional vineyard is reflected in this wine's tremendous depth, richness and character. Brenda's Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and the appearance is a deep ruby color with a reddish purple ring. The aroma has black cherries, figs, dark rich chocolate, cedar and oak. On the palate, this wine explodes with rich, concentrated flavors and layers of texture. Firm tannins are balanced with fine acidity and the elegant finish is long and satisfying. Its finesse and power are extremely well-balanced, creating a wine that is a pleasure to drink now, or in 5 to 10 years. Production limited to 100 cases.

Aggressive black fruit coupled with a beautiful lavender aroma. Full bodied and complex, this wine has a long finish of chocolate, plums and dark cherry complemented by sweet French oak. The brightness of this wine suggests a 10 year aging window, but the round tannins make it approachable today.

This is a deeper Merlot and more akin to a Cabernet Sauvignon with its aromas of black fruit and subtle earth. Just before you think you’ve gone Cab, the sweet caramel and spicy vanilla refresh the palate with refined tannin and a red berry finish – a lip-smacking Merlot.